Notes on using EqSolver.xls

I use this work book to help teach the flow chart method of solving simple linear equations to GCSE retake students. It helps to establish the stages clearly and is useful for quick revision.

There is an option to avoid division so you can start with simpler equations and put in divisions later.

Students might need to be told to treat -x/7 as division by -7.

It would also be good to mention some over possible ways of writing the division.

If appropriate you might want to go on to look at how to adapt the method to other variants of linear equation e.g. ones with brackets in.